Finding Relief from Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

With ever-changing technology at our literal fingertips, the repetitive overuse of our hands and wrists at home or work is the new normal. But it can come with consequences.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has become one of the most common nerve disorders experienced today. It causes pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand, wrist and arm. According to the orthopedic surgeons at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, with the right proactive measures, it’s usually very treatable.

CTS is caused by repetitive movements of the hand and wrist — either at work or home. It’s also linked to other underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis or trauma to hands or wrists.

“When your carpal tunnel nerve gets compressed, over time it’s function gets compromised,” explained Dr. Korsh Jafarnia. “Symptoms start with sensory changes, such as numbness and tingling in the fingers.”

Home Remedies

The key to slowing the progression of CTS is being proactive. Take action as soon as you notice symptoms.

“Patients commonly say they wake up in the middle of the night with their hands numb and tingling,” Dr. Evan Collins noted. “Wearing a wrist splint to bed will keep your wrist straight and take pressure off the nerve.”

Other measures that may help ease discomfort include taking ibuprofen, applying ice and having good ergonomics in your workspace.

“Repetitive motions and poor ergonomics can put anyone at risk for developing carpal tunnel,” Dr. Shari Liberman said. “Simple things, such as keeping your keyboard at elbow height and using a mouse pad to avoid bending your wrist can minimize your risk. If you have a job where you perform repetitive tasks, take frequent breaks and use nerve glide exercises to stretch your hands and wrists.”

Treatment Options

CTS can get worse over time. You should see a specialist if symptoms are disrupting your sleep or daily activities.

If you do not respond to traditional at-home remedies after a few weeks, a steroid (cortisone) injection may help. Steroids decrease inflammation and swelling and provide longer-lasting relief for mild to moderate cases. This injection can be performed in your doctor’s office and the effects can last several weeks to months.

In more severe cases, surgery may be your best option. “The best treatment for moderate to severe cases is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on your nerve,” Dr. Todd Siff said. Houston Methodist offers both minimally invasive endoscopic and traditional open surgery for carpal tunnel. Both options are safe and very common, with similar longterm outcomes.

“ The endoscopic procedure is done through a tiny incision in the wrist,” Jafarnia explained. “I’ve found that the minimally invasive, endoscopic option is very comfortable for patients, allowing them to have less pain in the short term and get back to work and daily activities very quickly.” •org/ orthopedics or call 713.790.3333 to schedule an

Schedule an Appointment

If carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are disrupting your sleep or daily activities, the hand and wrist specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are ready to help you find relief. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics or call 713.790.3333 to schedule an appointment.